Singapore Nightclub Cancels DJ NewJeansNim's Performance Over Religious Concerns

Club Rich in Singapore has cancelled two performances by South Korean DJ NewJeansNim, scheduled for June 19 and 20, following concerns over violating Public Entertainment Licence conditions and potentially causing religious offense.

DJ NewJeansNim, whose real name is Youn Sung-ho, is known for incorporating Buddhist elements into his electronic dance music (EDM) shows. His performances include wearing a traditional Buddhist robe and using Buddhist mantras in his music, which raised concerns among the religious community in Singapore.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of respecting religious diversity and cultural sensitivities in a multicultural society. Failure to do so can lead to social unrest, community tensions, and damage to the country's reputation as a harmonious and inclusive nation.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) was aware of the planned performances and engaged with the licensee and relevant parties of Club Rich to ensure compliance with Public Entertainment Licence conditions. These conditions require that the entertainment provided must not be offensive to any race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, or potentially cause disharmony among different groups.

Despite initial assurances from Club Rich that religious elements would be excluded from the show, DJ NewJeansNim insisted on incorporating Buddhist elements, including two songs involving Buddhist scriptures. This insistence led to the cancellation of the performances.

Jackie He, the owner of Club Rich, stated, "We (were unable to) come to an agreement and change to soundtracks without the religious lyrics." The decision to cancel the performances was made out of respect for Buddhism and to maintain religious harmony.

The Singapore Buddhist Federation had expressed concerns over the performances, leading to discussions with Club Rich. The federation's president, Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, appreciated the decision, saying, "In the future, anyone who wants to hold a show in Singapore should respect our culture and all the religions here."

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong also voiced their concerns. Minister Shanmugam stated that elements typically employed by the DJ in his performances, such as using religious verses and a Buddhist prayer item, "would have been offensive to our Buddhist community" and that it is "not acceptable." Minister Tong emphasized that Singapore takes "a very serious view of acts which denigrates religion."

DJ NewJeansNim, a 47-year-old former comedian, promotes what he calls 'young Buddhism' and is welcomed by South Korea's Buddhist community. However, his approach has sparked controversy in Singapore, a country where 31.1% of residents aged 15 and above identified as Buddhists in 2020.

Club Rich has promised to refund all patrons who had prepaid for tickets and is currently searching for a replacement DJ. The cancellation highlights the importance of maintaining religious harmony in Singapore.

The decision to cancel DJ NewJeansNim's performances highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious elements in public entertainment and the need for performers to respect cultural and religious values in diverse communities.

Key Takeaways

• Club Rich in Singapore cancels DJ NewJeansNim's performances due to concerns over religious offense.
• DJ NewJeansNim incorporates Buddhist elements into his EDM shows, sparking controversy.
• Authorities emphasize importance of respecting religious diversity and cultural sensitivities.
• Decision to cancel performances aims to maintain religious harmony in Singapore.
• Incident highlights need for performers to respect cultural and religious values in diverse communities.